
•If the dynamic cornering light has been deactivated.
•If travel mode is activated ⇒ Switching over headlights for driving abroad (travel modeyf.
•When the Eco driving profile is selected in vehicles with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving 
profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Interior lighting
Instrument and switch lighting
The brightness of the instrument and switch lighting and the basic brightness level of the Head-up 
Display ⇒ Instrument cluster can be adjusted in the Infotainment system in 
the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
The brightness setting is automatically adjusted to the changing light conditions in the vehicle.
When the light switch is in position , a sensor will switch the dipped beam and the lighting 
in the instruments and switches on and off automatically depending on the ambient brightness 
level.
When the light is switched off and the ignition switched on, the dash panel lighting (indicators 
and scalesyf  L V  V Z L W F K H G  R Q   $ V  W K H  D P E L H Q W  O L J K W  E H F R P H V  O R Z H U   W K H  O L J K W L Q J  R I  W K H V H  V F D O H V  L V  
automatically reduced and may be switched off entirely. This function is intended to remind the 
driver to switch on the dipped beam in good time, i.e. when driving through tunnels.
Interior lights, reading lights, background lighting
Press the corresponding button:
Switches the front interior lights on or off.Switches the rear interior lights on or off.
The interior lights are switched on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked, a door is 
opened or the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock.Switches the reading lights on or 
off.
Stowage compartment and luggage compartment lights
A light will be switched on and off automatically when the stowage compartment on the front 
passenger side, or the boot lid, is opened or closed.
Background lighting
Depending on the equipment level, the background lighting provides indirect light in the various 
areas of the vehicle interior.
The footwell and, where applicable, the closed blind of the glass roof may also be illuminated.
The brightness of the background lighting can be adjusted in the Infotainment system in 
the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
The lights go out when the vehicle is locked or after a delay of a few minutes when the 
vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock. This prevents the 12-volt battery from discharging.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and 
therefore change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Visibility
Wipers
Operating the wiper lever
Fig. 101 On the steering column, right: operating the front windscreen wipers. 

Manual anti-dazzle interior mirror
•Basic position: the lever on the lower part of the mirror is pointing towards the windscreen.
•Pull the lever to the back to select the anti-dazzle function ⇒ Fig. 105.
Exterior mirrors
Fig. 106 In the driver door: rotary knob for the exterior mirrors.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Switch on the ignition.
•Turn the rotary knob in the driver door to the desired symbol ⇒ Fig. 106.
•Press the rotary knob in the direction of the arrows to the front, rear, right or left in order to 
adjust the exterior mirror.
Fold exterior mirrors into the body electrically ⇒.Switch on the exterior mirror heating. 
The exterior mirror heating heats only at ambient temperatures below +20°C (+68°Fyf  D Q G  L Q L W L D O O \  
with the highest setting. Heating takes place dependent on the ambient temperature after around 
two minutes.Adjust the left-hand exterior mirror.Adjust the right-hand exterior mirror.Neutral 
position. The exterior mirror cannot be adjusted and all functions are switched off.
Activating the exterior mirror functions
•Activate the corresponding exterior menu function in the displayed menu.
Synchronised mirror adjustment
The synchronous mirror adjustment function simultaneously adjusts the right exterior mirror when 
the left exterior mirror is adjusted.
•Turn the rotary knob to position  .
•Adjust the left-hand exterior mirror. The right-hand exterior mirror will be adjusted at the same 
time (synchronisedyf .
•If necessary, correct the settings for the right-hand exterior mirror: move the rotary knob to 
position   and adjust the right exterior mirror.
Folding in the exterior mirrors while parking
The exterior mirrors fold in and out automatically when the vehicle is locked and unlocked from 
outside. For this purpose, the rotary knob must be in the position  ,  ,   or  .
If the rotary knob for the electrically adjustable exterior mirrors is in the position  , the exterior 
mirrors will remain folded in.
Storing and activating front passenger exterior mirror settings for 
reversing
•Select a valid vehicle key to which you wish to assign the setting.
•Unlock the vehicle with this vehicle key.
•Apply the electronic parking brake.
•Switch on the ignition.
•Put the gearbox in neutral position.
•Select reverse gear.
•Adjust the front passenger exterior mirror so that you can see the kerb area, for example.
•The settings for the mirror position will be saved automatically and assigned to the vehicle key.
•Turn the rotary knob for the exterior mirrors to position  .
The illuminated display from a mobile navigation device can lead to functional impairment 
of the interior automatic anti-dazzle mirror and cause accidents or serious injuries.
•You may not be able to precisely determine the distance from vehicles travelling 
behind you or from other objects if the automatic anti-dazzle function is impaired.
WARNING 

Fig. 118 To the right of the steering wheel: positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
When there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock, the steering column lock can be activated.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 118
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released. The diesel engine is pre-heated 
and the yellow indicator lamp  lights up yellow.
Depress the brake pedal when the indicator lamp  lights up green. Start the engine. 
Release the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released, the vehicle key moves 
back to position ⇒ Fig. 118①.
m/k/a995MKDepending on the market, in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: If 
you cannot remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is stationary, move the 
selector lever to position P. If necessary, press the lock button in the selector lever and then 
release it.
Starter button
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The starter button replaces the ignition 
lock (Press & Driveyf .
Fig. 119 In the lower section of the centre console: starter button for starting the engine.
The starter button is used to start the vehicle (Press & Driveyf .
The vehicle can be activated only if there is a valid vehicle key in the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, the electronic steering column lock will be activated when the ignition is 
switched off and the driver door is opened ⇒ Steering.
Switching the ignition on and off
Press the starter button once without depressing the brake or clutch pedals ⇒.
Careless or unsupervised use of the vehicle key can lead to accidents or injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can 
be started and electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This 
can cause serious injury.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle when the 
vehicle is locked. They could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may 
not be able to get themselves to safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected 
to very high or very low temperatures depending on the season. This can cause 
serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially among small children.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The 
steering column lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the 
vehicle.
•The key bit in the vehicle key needs to be folded out fully and locked in position.
•Only attach light objects weighing under 100 g to the vehicle key.
WARNING
The 12-volt vehicle battery may run down and prevent the motor from restarting if the 
ignition is switched on while the engine is switched off.
•Always switch off the ignition before leaving the vehicle.
NOTICE 

Automatic ignition switch-off
The ignition switches off automatically after a short time if the driver moves away from the vehicle 
with the vehicle key when the ignition is switched on. If the dipped beam headlights were switched 
on at the time, the side lights will remain switched on for approximately 30 minutes. The side lights 
can be switched off manually ⇒ Lights or by locking the vehicle ⇒ Central and manual locking.
Once the vehicle detects that the driver is absent when the engine stop is active, the ignition will 
switched off automatically after a certain period of time.
Automatic ignition switch-off in vehicles with a start/stop system
When all the following conditions are fulfilled at the same time, the vehicle ignition will be switched 
off automatically when engine stop is active and when the vehicle is stationary:
•The driver removes their seat belt.
•No pedals are depressed.
•The driver door is opened.
If the ignition is deactivated automatically while the dipped beam headlights are switched on , 
the side lights remain switched on for around 30 minutes.
The side lights can be switched off manually or will go off when the vehicle is locked.
Engine restart function
If no valid vehicle key is detected in the vehicle interior once the engine has been switched off, the 
engine can be restarted within approximately 5 seconds. A corresponding message appears on the 
instrument cluster display.
After this time, the engine cannot be re-started without a valid vehicle key in the vehicle interior.
Before leaving the vehicle, always switch off the ignition manually and observe any 
information shown in the instrument cluster display.
Leaving the vehicle stationary for long periods with the ignition switched on can discharge 
the 12-volt vehicle battery so that the engine can no longer be started.
The engine cannot, for example, be started with the starter button if the button cell in the 
vehicle key is weak or flat. In this case, use the emergency start function ⇒ Emergency start 
function.
Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with ignition lock: Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 118①. 
The ignition is switched on.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a starter button: Press the starter button once. The ignition is 
switched on.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with a diesel engine: During the diesel engine preheating phase, 
the indicator lamp  in the instrument cluster lights up.
•Depress and hold the brake pedal until the electronic parking brake has been switched off.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with manual gearbox: fully depress the clutch pedal and hold it 
until the engine has been started. Move the gear lever to neutral position.
•m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: move the selector lever to 
position P or N.
Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•Do not depress the brake or clutch pedal when switching on the ignition as the engine 
will then start immediately.
WARNING
Careless or unsupervised use of the vehicle key can lead to accidents or injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. Children or third 
parties could lock the vehicle, start the engine, switch on the ignition or operate 
electrical equipment such as the electric windows.
WARNING 

•m/k/a995MKVehicles with a starter button: Press the starter button briefly ⇒ Fig. 119. If 
the engine cannot be switched off, carry out the emergency switch-off procedure ⇒ Emergency 
deactivation.
•Observe the instructions in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster.
Warning before leaving the vehicle
In order to indicate an active ignition when leaving the vehicle, an acoustic warning signal sounds 
when opening the driver door and corresponding warning messages appear on the display of the 
instrument cluster. The ignition also switches off automatically after a certain period in order to 
prevent unintentional discharge of the 12-volt vehicle battery.
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: if the selector lever is not in position P, 
an acoustic warning signal will sound when the driver door is opened and the warning 
message Please move selector lever to position P. will be shown on the instrument cluster 
display. In this way, a warning is given that the vehicle could potentially roll away. The electronic 
parking brake is also activated.
After the engine is switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may run on for 
some minutes, even if the ignition is switched off or the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator 
fan will switch itself off automatically.
Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The immobiliser helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorised 
vehicle key.
There is a chip in the key. This is used to automatically deactivate the immobiliser when a valid 
vehicle key is inserted into the ignition lock.
The electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the vehicle key is removed from the 
ignition lock. In vehicles with keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access, the vehicle key 
must be outside the vehicle ⇒ Central and manual locking.
The engine can only be started using a genuine Volkswagen vehicle key with the correct code. 
Coded vehicle keys are available from a Volkswagen dealership ⇒ Vehicle key set.
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine Volkswagen key.
Troubleshooting
Fig. 120 On the right of the steering column: emergency start function in vehicles with the Keyless 
Access locking and starting system.
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a loss of 
vehicle control, accidents and serious injuries.
•The airbags and belt tensioners will not work if the ignition is switched off.
•The brake servo will not work when the engine is switched off. More force is required 
on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
•The power steering will not function if the engine is switched off, and more force will 
be required to steer the vehicle.
•If the vehicle key is removed from the ignition, the steering lock can activate and you 
will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
If the vehicle has been driven at high load for a long period, the engine can overheat when 
it is switched off. In order to avoid damage to the engine, allow the engine to run in neutral 
position for approximately 2 minutes before switching it off.
NOTICE 

Conditions that require a manual engine start
The engine must be started manually under the following conditions:
•If the driver door is opened.
•If the bonnet is opened.
Activating and deactivating the start/stop system manually
•Press the button  in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 121 to deactivate the system. If the 
start/stop system has been deactivated, the indicator lamp in the button lights up.
•Press the button  in the centre console again ⇒ Fig. 121 to reactivate the system.
The instrument cluster shows the status of the start/stop system every time the  button is 
pressed.
If the start/stop system has switched the engine off, it will start again as soon as the system has 
been deactivated manually with the  button.
Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Start/stop mode when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf  L V  D F W L Y e
The engine will be switched off after the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf  K D V  E U R X J K W  W K H  Y H K L F O H  W R  D  
standstill via an active braking intervention ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf.
m/k/a995MKVehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: when the Adaptive Cruise Control 
(ACCyf  L V  D F W L Y H   W K H  ' 6 G dual clutch gearbox can shift into coasting mode and the engine can be 
switched off with the engine-off coasting function.
In the following instances, the engine will restart when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf  L V  D F W L Y H :
•If the accelerator is depressed.
•When the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf  K D V  U H V X P H G  V S H H G  D Q G  D X W R P D W L F  G L V W D Q F H  F R Q W U R O .
•If the vehicle ahead has moved on.
•If the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACCyf  L V  G H D F W L Y D W H G  D Q G  W K H  Y H K L F O H  G U L Y L Q J  L Q  I U R Q W  P R Y H G  D Z D \ .
Troubleshooting
The engine stop function may be deactivated if the temperature is above around 38°C (100°Fyf .
In some cases, it may be necessary to restart the engine manually. Follow any 
corresponding messages on the instrument cluster display.
The start/stop function is activated automatically if the Eco driving profile is selected on 
vehicles with driving profile selection ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
®
Never switch off the engine or the ignition while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a 
loss of vehicle control, accidents and serious injuries.
•The airbags and belt tensioners will not work if the ignition is switched off.
•The brake servo will not work when the engine is switched off. That is why more 
pressure on the brake pedal is needed to brake the vehicle when the engine is 
switched off.
•The power steering will not work when the engine is not running. More power is 
needed to steer the vehicle when the engine is switched off.
•When the ignition is switched off, the steering lock may activate and you will no longer 
be able to steer the vehicle.
•The start/stop system must be deactivated if work is to be carried out in the engine 
compartment.
WARNING
If the start/stop system is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the 
12-volt vehicle battery can be damaged.
NOTICE 

Steering
Information on steering
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make it more difficult for the 
vehicle to be stolen.
Steering
The power steering is not hydraulic. It is an electromechanical system. The advantage of this 
steering system is that no hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil, pumps, filter or other parts are required. 
The electromechanical system reduces fuel consumption. A hydraulic system requires constant oil 
pressure in the system, whereas an electromechanical steering system only needs an energy 
supply while steering.
In vehicles with driving profile selection, the selected driving profile can affect the behaviour of the 
power steering ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Electronic steering column lock in vehicles with starter button
The steering column will be locked if the driver door is opened and the ignition is switched off. For 
this, the vehicle should be stationary and, if necessary, the gear selector lever should be in position 
P.
If the ignition is not switched off until after the driver door is opened, the electronic steering column 
will only be locked when the vehicle is locked using the vehicle key or the sensor in the door 
handle.
Mechanical steering column lock (steering lockyf  L Q  Y H K L F O H V  Z L W K  D Q  
ignition lock
The steering column is locked if the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle 
is stationary. Turn the steering wheel slightly until the steering lock clicks into place.
Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock to unlock the steering lock. Turn the steering wheel 
slightly to take the load off the steering lock mechanism. Hold the steering wheel in this position and 
turn the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the 
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering 
only functions when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is 
reduced or has failed completely.
Counter steering assistance
Counter steering assistance provides the driver with power steering in critical driving situations. 
Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering ⇒.
The intelligent Hill Descent Control technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and 
functions only within the limits of the system. Never allow the extra convenience afforded 
by pull-away assist systems to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The Hill Descent Control cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic 
conditions.
•A Hill Descent Control System may not be able to always hold the vehicle on uphill 
gradients or brake it sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is 
slippery or icyyf .
WARNING
Always be prepared to brake the vehicle. Accidents and injuries could occur if this is not 
ensured.
•The Hill Descent Control system is only a support function and may not be able to 
brake the vehicle sufficiently in all situations when driving downhill.
•The vehicle may accelerate despite the Hill Descent Control system.
WARNING 

Refuelling process
•Unlock the tank flap with the vehicle key or the  button in the driver door.
•Open the tank flap.
•Unscrew the tank cap and place it in the holder on the tank flap.
•The fuel tank is full when the properly operated automatic filler nozzle clicks off for the first time 
⇒.
•Screw the tank cap onto the filler neck.
•Close the tank flap.
Misfuelling prevention device
Fig. 196 In the tank filler neck: misfuelling prevention device.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The tank filler neck in diesel vehicles can be fitted with a misfuelling prevention device ⇒ Fig. 196. 
The misfuelling prevention device ensures that the vehicle can be refuelled only using diesel pump 
nozzles.
Turn the diesel nozzle to and fro if the misfuelling prevention device gets stuck. This can open the 
misfuelling prevention device and make it possible to refuel the vehicle. If the misfuelling prevention 
device remains closed, proceed to a qualified workshop to have the system checked.
If it is necessary to refuel the vehicle using a spare fuel canister in the event of an emergency, the 
misfuelling prevention device will not open. In order to fill the tank with fuel, pour the diesel into the 
tank extremely slowly in very small quantities.
Components relevant to emission control
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue
⇒ Catalytic converter
⇒ Particulate filter
⇒ Troubleshooting
•Emission control with AdBlue⇒ Emission control with AdBlue
•Catalytic converter ⇒ Catalytic converter
•Particulate filter ⇒ Particulate filter
Information on indicator and warning lamps can be found in the troubleshooting section at the end 
of the chapter ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Overfilling the fuel tank may cause the fuel to splash out and overflow. This can cause 
fires, explosions and serious injuries.
•Do not continue refuelling when the petrol nozzle switches off for the first time.
WARNING
Do not fill up with fuel that has a lower Research Octane Number (RONyf  W K D Q  V S H F L I L H G   7 K H  
engine could otherwise be damaged.
NOTICE
®®